J/70

Introduction

On display at London Boat Show, 10-14 January

The J/70 is the fastest selling sportsboat ever, with over 1300 hulls built since her launch in 2012. She introduces a new dimension of fun, fast sailing in a stable, easy to own boat that all of your friends and family can enjoy. The J/70′s 22′ long waterline coupled with her high aspect, all carbon mast and boom provides extremely spirited performance with the kind of stability upwind that one would enjoy in a much larger boat.

It’s manageable. There’s no foredeck work, no hoisting at the mast, everything is done from the cockpit, which you’ll find surprisingly roomy. The spinnaker sits nicely in the hatch so that when you’re ready to launch, simply throw it up and wind in the furling jib. The J/70 is available with either a petrol or electric 2.5hp outboard engine, which is accounted for in the racing class rules.

Handling. The J/70 will thrill you. But while you’ll feel as though you’re on the edge, you won’t feel as though you’re going over the edge. The J/70 is as stable as it is powerful.

Performance. Unlike some of its contemporaries, the J/70 will plane in 12 knots of wind. Fly the spinnaker and whizz around the race track at 14 knots or more.

It’s easy to own. The lifting keel means that you don’t have to pay expensive berthing fees, most marinas offer great drysail packages. For those that want to avoid launching and recovering, the Versadock system is an excellent alternative. Or keep it on your driveway! The combined weight of the J/70 and its trailer is 1,085kg; a load that is suitable for most cars to tow home. Finding crew for racing is easy too, the class rules state a minimum of 3 and no weight limits.

It’s not just for racing. The J/70 will comfortably fit a family of 4 or 5, so is a great step from dinghy sailing to keelboats. The simple layout makes the J/70 a super boat for teaching youngsters.

The J/70’s long cockpit and moderate height boom allow easy crew movement across the cockpit while tacking and jibing. For sitting and hiking comfort, mid-height padded backrests/lifelines run cockpit length, making the J/70 one of the most comfortable boats to helm without having to rely on hiking straps to keep you in the boat. The small cabin below is a bonus, providing weather protection and personal privacy, which is essential to keeping everyone happy if spending a day on the water.

The J/70 sports an impressive carbon rigging package from Selden. The package includes;

“As the previous owner of a J/105 I was never in doubt about the sailing part, it was the launch/recovery that I was concerned about. Not now, everything is just a doddle! Even my rear wheel drive car is man enough so I don’t have to buy a 4×4, how good is that! Yesterday maxed out at 12 knots so all good…even picked up a few rays on my face! Very encouraging start.” J/70 Owner.

The J/70 UK Class Association website can be found here, www.j-70.co.uk.

If you would like to book a test sail in the J70 or to arrange a test day at your Club, please call us on 02380 455669 or email info@keyyachting.com.